Whinchester 1897

[zbiddle91]

Are these guns worth anything. Been thinking of getting a 3030 and have one of these that don't get shot much. It's I belive the low grade model. It has rust on it but no pitting.

 

[POB]

EDIT for posting half asleep.

 

[Expat]

Model 97's are great shotguns. I have a 16 and a 12 gauge. I think I gave $350-400 for the 12 at a gun show, in nice shape.
i would clean that rust up before it gets away from you.

 

[oldpink]

They're not quite as valuable as a model 12 in equivalent condition, but there is a collector market for some of them.
I would definitely very carefully take off as much of that rust as possible without removing the existing bluing, though.

 

[zbiddle91]

I believe it was made in 1917

 

[Alpo]

They are used quite extensively in Cowboy Action Shooting. There are a few good gunsmiths that can make these guns sing for that style of competition. Prior to the cowboy action market, these guns were worth about $150. Now, a 97 is worth about $350, more if it is a solid frame (non-takedown model).

Don't touch the gun in any way without having it looked at by a good cowboy action gunsmith.

 

[zbiddle91]

Do you know any good cowboy action gunsmith

 

[T.Lex]

I have one of these that was my grandfather's. Unfortunately, part of the action was poorly re-blued (probably some sort of cold-blue concoction) that a gunsmith helped fix. It runs really well, but only has sentimental value at this point.

Which is more than enough value for me.

I do like it, though.

 

[Expat]

I have one of these that was my grandfather's. Unfortunately, part of the action was poorly re-blued (probably some sort of cold-blue concoction) that a gunsmith helped fix. It runs really well, but only has sentimental value at this point.

Which is more than enough value for me.

I do like it, though.

My 16 g was my Dad's first shotgun that he bought.

 

[Alpo]

They are used quite extensively in Cowboy Action Shooting. There are a few good gunsmiths that can make these guns sing for that style of competition. Prior to the cowboy action market, these guns were worth about $150. Now, a 97 is worth about $350, more if it is a solid frame (non-takedown model).

Don't touch the gun in any way without having it looked at by a good cowboy action gunsmith.

I've worked on a hundred+ over my stint as a smith. I'm retired now and they generally require a bit of effort. If you're ever in Greenwood, pm me and I'd be glad to look it over for you and assess what it's worth.

 

[zbiddle91]

I'm up that way quite often. I'll p.m. you next time I'm up there